AWIU Fact Sheet

American Women for International Understanding

FACT SHEET

Founded in 1967 to promote worldwide woman-to-woman interaction and understanding

Nearly 50 years of citizen diplomacy through delegations, grants, awards, local chapter outreach and educational programs

Partners with the U.S. State Department to host the annual International Women of Courage Celebration

National membership with chapters in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Northern California, Orange County, San Diego, and Washington D.C.

DELEGATIONS

Delegations sponsored for travel to nearly 60 countries to date

First group of American women to visit China after 1973 détente, to visit Russia in 1976, and to visit Libya in 40 years in 2009. Recent delegations traveled to Myanmar (Burma) in 2014, Chiapas, Mexico,in 2015, and Ethiopia in 2016.

Delegations meet with leaders in government, business, and charitable organizations and visit embassies, institutions, historical sites and private homes. Information-sharing to all AWIU members upon return via presentations and digital communication.

GRANT PROGRAM

Awards grants to non-profit organizations focused on training and empowering women and girls in the areas of leadership, technology, health care and journalism. Recent grant focus on women-owned businesses in developing countries.

Past grantees include NGOs that support women photojournalists from developing countries, victims of human trafficking in Uganda, jurists from Muslim countries, teachers in Kenya, technology workers in Afghanistan. Recent business-focused grants include support for jewelry-making project in Peru and sewing and tailoring co-op in Uganda.

Annual grants also awarded to the U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF COURAGE CELEBRATION

Since 2008 AWIU has partnered with the U.S. State Department to recognize women around the globe who have made a substantial difference in the lives of women in their home countries. AWIU hosts the International Women of Courage Celebration and awards grants to every honoree designated by the State Department.

The AWIU Internationalism Award is presented annually to an American woman who has made exceptional contributions to world understanding and betterment

Our Mission

Promotes woman-to-woman interaction and understanding Worldwide through meaningful visits, grants, educational support, the celebration and support of the International Women of Courage, and participation of local Chapters which act locally and affect globally.

Quote

Diane McGlinchey

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In these times of a shrinking world, AWIU offers its members the opportunity to meet and understand people of other cultures, women in particular. Through AWIU one can visit, gain knowledge and even assist women in other countries, thus contributing to world peace and understanding.

Maya Angelou

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How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

Madvi Raya

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Today, women are naturally transitioning to taking on leadership roles. Since its inception in 1967, AWIU promotes learning and understanding via its delegations, grants, and volunteerism. AWIU is a grass roots organization that connects women, within the U.S. and around the globe, through goodwill.

Roshika Deo, 2014 International woman of courage, Fiji

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"I appreciate the work that American Women of International Understanding (AWIU) is doing to generate awareness on women's issues around the globe. Their support, empathy, effort and time as a volunteer, to feature problems that women face within and outside the U.S. is simply commendable. Raising awareness on women's issues is a crucial step towards progress and so is working together in global solidarity. "

Zuzana Stevulova, 2016 International Woman of Courage, Slovakia

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"Women leaders around the world are working on issues, which promote peace, justice, and progress for societies. As Margareth Mead famously said, all it takes to change the world is a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens. In their work, AWIU recognizes efforts and lasting achievements of women around the globe and encourages them to take action. Thus, this group of committed citizens becomes stronger and leads the world towards lasting peace, respect to human rights and international solidarity."